In this episode, featured guest Ronald J. Deibert discusses the dramatic shift in perceptions of social media, which principally have been seen as providing space for free expression, democratic mobilization, and citizen empowerment. Increasingly, however, a more problematic underside of social media has come into view that may have the effect of fueling authoritarianism. Ronald J. Deibert is a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation.